$Unique_ID{BRK03514}
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$Title{Barrett Syndrome}
$Subject{Barrett Syndrome Barrett Ulcer Barrett Esophagus Chronic Peptic Ulcer
and Esophagitis Syndrome Columnar-Like Esophagus Esophagitis-Peptic Ulcer}
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Copyright (C) 1986 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.

173:
Barrett Syndrome

** IMPORTANT **
It is possible the main title of the article (Barrett Syndrome) is not
the name you expected.  Please check the SYNONYM listing to find alternate
names and disorder subdivisions covered by this article.

Synonyms

     Barrett Ulcer
     Barrett Esophagus
     Chronic Peptic Ulcer and Esophagitis Syndrome
     Columnar-Like Esophagus
     Esophagitis-Peptic Ulcer

General Discussion

** REMINDER **
The information contained in the Rare Disease Database is provided for
educational purposes only.  It should not be used for diagnostic or treatment
purposes.  If you wish to obtain more information about this disorder, please
contact your personal physician and/or the agencies listed in the "Resources"
section of this report.


Barrett Syndrome is a rare disorder caused by a chronic peptic ulcer of
the esophagus.  It is characterized by heartburn and recurrent pain behind
the sternum.  Eventually large ulcers or narrowing of the esophagus
(stricture) may occur.

Symptoms

Barrett Syndrome generally occurs in middle aged or elderly people.  The
symptoms of the disorder may be present for weeks or years.  Recurrent low
pain in the upper middle region of the abdomen behind the sternum, heartburn,
and belching are characteristic of the disease.  The pain may radiate to the
neck, scapular region, or both arms.  This may be especially noticeable after
eating acidic, hot or cold food, or while lying down.  Later in the course of
the disease, there may be difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia), vomiting, or
regurgitation.  Sometimes melena (blackened vomit or stools) or hematemesis
(vomiting of blood) may occur.  There may also be loss of weight.

Causes

Barrett Syndrome may occur as a result of a chronic peptic ulcer of the
esophagus.   The lining of the esophagus is destroyed by reflux esophagitis
(reflux of the acid and pepsin from the stomach) resulting in inflammation.
The ulcer may penetrate or perforate the esophagus, and bleed.  The disorder
is usually associated with a hiatal hernia.  Barrett Syndrome is sometimes
congenital.

Affected Population

Barrett Syndrome usually occurs in middle aged and elderly persons and
affects men and women equally.

Therapies:  Standard

Medical therapy includes elevating the head of the bed, avoiding bedtime
snacks or liquids, Urecholine, metoclopramide, cimetidine and antacids.
Treatment of Barrett Syndrome may require surgery to remove the ulceration if
medicines have not been effective.  Since cancer of the esophagus is more
common in Barrett Syndrome, frequent checkups are essential.

Therapies:  Investigational

This disease entry is based upon medical information available through
December 1988.  Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to
keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and
accurate.  Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for
the most current information about this disorder.

Resources

For more information on Barrett Syndrome, please contact:

     National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
     P.O. Box 8923
     New Fairfield, CT  06812-1783
     (203) 746-6518

     National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse
     Box NDIC
     Bethesda, MD  20892
     (301) 468-2162

References

THE MERCK MANUAL 15th ed:  R. Berkow, et al:  eds; Merck, Sharp & Dohme
Research Laboratories, 1987.  P. 719.

MENDELIAN INHERITANCE IN MAN, 8th ed.:  Victor A. McKusick; Johns Hopkins
University Press, 1986.  P. 90.